Crypt lutea is a beautiful mid-ground plant with bright green or bronzy oblong leaves with a gracefully wavy shape. Most crypt plants were originally found in fast-flowing limestone bed streams or rivers, and need high levels of calcium to live in a tank environment. Nutrient rich substrate with lots of iron, as well as CO2 injection, will help C. lutea thrive. In the wild they are often found growing emersed, and can produce flowers above the water. They will also grow fine submersed. They can be planted into the substrate or attached to a rock or piece of driftwood with a cotton thread or fishing wire.
Name | Cryptocoryne lutea |
Structure | Crown |
Difficulty | Easy |
Light Demand | Low Light |
CO2 | CO2 Optional |
Growth Rate | Slow Growth |
Placement | Midground |
Height (in) | 4-8 |
Color | Green |
Tissue culture plants are grown in-vitro (literally: in the glass) in a nutrient-rich synthetic growing medium, either liquid or gel, without the presence of any other lifeforms. This guarantees a pest and disease-free specimen, while also providing accuracy throughout the trade.
Tissue culture plants should be removed from the cup as soon as possible. All plants grow on some sort of synthetic growing medium, ranging anywhere from liquid to jelly to firm gel. This should be removed and rinsed off. Gently massage the roots between your fingers until the gel dissolves away. Most plants can be broken up into smaller pieces and spread out in your aquarium. Smaller pieces are easier to plant.